Total Sexual Function Score Research Articles

Comparison of the Sexual Function among Women with and without Diabetes

Background & aim: Globally, diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases, which is considered as the leading cause of sexual dysfunction. However, its effect on female sexual function is still inconspicuous. This study aimed to compare diabetic and non-diabetic women in terms of sexual function. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 diabetic and non-diabetic (n=90 for each group) women referring to the health facilities of Mashhad, Iran. The subjects were married, aged between 18 to 60 years and had experienced type II diabetes for at least one year. Data were collected using clinical and demographic characteristics questionnaire and Rosen’s Female Sexual Functioning Index. To analyse the data, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test were run using SPSS, version 16. Results: The mean age of diabetic and non-diabetic was respectively 52.42±9.8 and 43.58±9.39. ANCOVA reflected a significant difference between diabetic and non-diabetic women in terms of total score of sexual function (P=0.002) and the score of five domains of desire (P=0.004), arousal (0.001), lubrication (0.003), orgasm (0.001) and satisfaction (0.002). Conclusion: Diabetes is a risk factor for sexual dysfunction in women, which causes negative effects on their sexual function; therefore, it is recommended to educate patients to protect them against these adverse effects.

Sexual Life During Pregnancy: Effect of an Educational Intervention on the Sexuality of Iranian Couples: A Quasiexperimental Study

ABSTRACTThe sexual life of couples and their needs during pregnancy receive little attention in practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate an educational intervention delivered to pregnant couples to improve their sexual function and satisfaction. This quasiexperimental study was conducted on 128 couples, allocated into two groups of intervention (group A: couples, group B: pregnant women) and one control group (C). Postintervention, the mean of the total score of sexual function and satisfaction of the couples was significantly higher in the intervention groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). It seems sexuality education specific for prenatal care would be effective.

A Meta-Analysis Detailing Overall Sexual Function and Orgasmic Function in Women Undergoing Midurethral Sling Surgery for Stress Incontinence.

IntroductionMore than 200,000 midurethral slings are placed yearly for stress urinary incontinence. Approximately 14% to 20% of women experience worsening sexual function overall after these procedures. We postulated that sling placement injures neural pathways regulating “female prostate” tissue within the anterior vaginal wall.AimTo perform a meta-analysis for overall sexual function and orgasm using validated questionnaires for transvaginal tape, transobturator tape, and their variants.MethodsEffect sizes of preoperative and postoperative questionnaire scores for overall sexual function and orgasm were calculated. Random-effects models were selected for meta-analyses. Statistical analysis involved determination of the ratio of total heterogeneity to total variability.Main Outcome MeasuresDifferences of overall sexual and orgasm functions were calculated by subtracting postoperative sling scores from preoperative sling scores. Forest plots of effect sizes were performed.ResultsSixty-seven percent of midurethral sling procedures analyzed showed no change or improvement in overall sexual function postoperatively, whereas 33% of studies analyzed for orgasm function showed improvement after the procedure. For transvaginal tape, mean total sexual function and orgasm postoperative scores were significantly higher than preoperative scores. For transobturator tape, mean total postoperative score was significantly higher than the preoperative score; however, the mean orgasm postoperative score was not significantly higher than the preoperative score, possibly because of variability in transobturator tape data.ConclusionThere is a discrepancy between postoperative sexual satisfaction and orgasmic function after midurethral sling surgery. Although overall sexual function remained the same or improved for most women, orgasmic function in only one third of cases improved overall, with most women experiencing no change or deterioration in orgasmic function. Dissection for, and placement of, the midurethral sling can compromise the neural integrity of the anterior vaginal wall, thereby detrimentally affecting the periurethral prostate tissue that is essential to the orgasmic response. We propose that this surgical procedure can compromise orgasmic function in some women.Szell N, Komisaruk B, Goldstein SW, et al. A Meta-Analysis Detailing Overall Sexual Function and Orgasmic Function in Women Undergoing Midurethral Sling Surgery for Stress Incontinence. Sex Med 2017;5:e84–e93.

The Relation of Diabetes Type 2 with Sexual Function among Reproductive Age Women in Iran, a Case-Control Study.

Background. Diabetic patients are at the greater risk of retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and sexual dysfunction compared to the general population. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sexual dysfunction in type 2 diabetes reproductive age women in Iran. Method. This was a case-control study carried out on 130 women with type 2 diabetes and 130 healthy women. The type 2 diabetes diagnosis was confirmed with abnormal fasting blood sugar, abnormal random blood sugar test, and abnormal level of HbA1C. Eligible women were requested to complete a demographic questionnaire and female sexual function index (FSFI). The chi-square test, independent t-test, and Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) were used for analyzing data. Results. Results of this study showed that diabetic women had significantly lower sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm and more pain compared to the healthy women (p < 0.05). Also diabetic women had lower sexual satisfaction compared to the healthy women (p = 0.002). The total score of sexual function was significantly lower in the diabetic women compared to the healthy women (21.25 ± 7.04 versus 22.43 ± 7.6, p = 0.004). Conclusion. Results of this study showed that the score of all dimensions of sexual function in diabetic patients was lower than that in healthy women. Education and counseling about controlling diabetes and sexual function among diabetic women in reproductive age are recommended.

Sexual function in multiple sclerosis and associations with demographic, disease and lifestyle characteristics: an international cross-sectional study.

BackgroundSexual dysfunction (SD) is very common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and contributes a significant burden of disease, particularly for young people. SD has direct neurological contributions from depression and fatigue, which occur commonly in PwMS. Modifiable factors may represent potential targets for treatment and prevention of SD. We aimed to assess the prevalence of SD and explore associations between SD and demographic and modifiable risk factors, as well as depression and fatigue in a large cohort of PwMS.MethodsWe analysed self-reported data from a large, international sample of PwMS recruited via Web 2.0 platforms, including demographic, lifestyle and disease characteristics. Specific sexual function questions included 4 items from the sexual function scale and 1 item regarding satisfaction with sexual function, part of the MS Quality of Life-54 instrument.Results2062 PwMS from 54 countries completed questions on sexual function. 81.1 % were women, mean age was 45 years, most (62.8 %) reported having relapsing-remitting MS. The majority (54.5 %) reported one or more problems with sexual function and were classified as having SD. Lack of sexual interest (41.8 % of women), and difficulty with erection (40.7 % of men) were most common. The median total sexual function score was 75.0 out of 100, and 43.7 % were satisfied with their sexual function. Regression modeling revealed independent associations between sexual function and satisfaction and a range of demographic factors, including age, as well as depression risk, antidepressant use, and fatigue in PwMS.ConclusionThis cross-sectional study shows that SD and lack of satisfaction with sexual function are associated with depression risk and fatigue, as well as modifiable lifestyle factors diet and physical activity (after adjusting for depression and fatigue). Planned longitudinal follow-up of this sample may help clarify these associations and the underlying mechanisms. There is potential to prevent and treat SD in PwMS by addressing depression and fatigue and their determinants. Clinicians and PwMS should be aware of SD and associated factors as part of a comprehensive preventive approach to managing MS.

Sexual Function and its Relationship to General Health in Postpartum Women

Background and Objective: Satisfactory sexual relationships are one of the effective factors in the survival of the family and protection of community health. Since the disorders in these relationships are considered as worry factor for people’s health, this study aimed to determine the status of sexual function and its relationship with postpartum general health in women referred to health centers of Tabriz in 2015. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 386 women at 10-16 weeks postpartum. The cluster sampling method was used, and the research tool consisted of the socio-demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The multivariate linear regression model was used to determine the relationship between sexual function and general health. Findings: The mean (SD) total score of sexual function was 24.3 (5.7) of the achievable score range of 0-36. The mean (SD) total score of general health was 24.6 (14.3) of the possible score range 0-84. A significant inverse correlation was observed between total sexual function score and total general health score (p<0.001, r= -0.78) and all of its subdomains (r= -0.4 to - 0.6). The variables of sexual function, pain during intercourse, husband’s education, satisfaction with the newborn’s gender, and pregnancy type were predictors of general health and were able to explain 63.6% of the variance in the general health score. Conclusion: Sexual function has relationship with general health in postpartum period at women. Therefore, in order to improve women’s health, health care providers, including midwives, should detect and treat sexual dysfunction in postpartum women in a timely manner to prevent the decline in their general health.

Impact of Oral Contraceptive Pills (LDs) and Condoms on Women's Sexual Function: A Prospective Study in Iran

Introduction: Female sexual function may be affected by negative or positive effects of contraceptive methods, which needs more investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of low dose oral contraceptive pills (OCPs, LD) and condoms on female sexual function. Material & Methods: A sample of 62 Iranian women, who were first time users of OCPs, LD (n=32) and condoms (n=30) were assigned for the study. The women's sexual function was assessed using a standard questionnaire both before and four months after using the contraceptive methods. Results: In the OCPs, LD group, there was a significant increase in total sexual function score (p<0.001) and the four domains of sexual function (desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction) four months after the recruitment. In the condom group a significant reduction was found in the five domains as well as the total sexual function score (p<0.001) four months after recruitment. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated an improvement in sexual function after using OCPs, LD and a significant negative effect on women's sexual function with the use of condoms.

Effects of Electric Stimulation and Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise in Women with Vaginal Rejuvenation Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pelvic floor muscle exercise using electric stimulation and biofeedback on maximum pressure of vaginal contraction, vaginal contraction duration and sexual function in women who have had vaginal rejuvenation. The research design was a non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design study. Participants in this study were women who had vaginal rejuvenation at C obstetrics and gynecology hospital. The 15 participants in the experimental group were given pelvic floor muscle exercise using electric stimulation and biofeedback and the 15 participants in the control group received self pelvic floor muscle exercise. For maximum pressure of vaginal contraction, the experimental group showed a statistically significant increase compared to than the control group (t=5.96, p<.001). For vaginal contraction duration, the experimental group also showed a statistically significant increase compared to the control group (t=3.23, p=.003). For women's sexual function, the experimental group showed a significant increase when compared to the control group in total sexual function scores (t=3.41, p=.002). The results indicate that pelvic floor muscle exercise with electric stimulation and biofeedback after vaginal rejuvenation is effective in strengthening vaginal contraction pressure, vaginal contraction and that it also positively functions to increase women's sexual function.

The Long Term Effect of Elective Colpoperineoplasty on Sexual Function in the Reproductive Aged Women in Iran.

Objective. Many women are suffering from sexual dysfunction followed by vaginal laxity in their reproductive age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term effect of colpoperineoplasty on sexual function in Iranian reproductive aged women. Methods. This was a prospective observational study in which 79 women with vaginal laxity who were candidate for selective colpoperineoplasty in Jahrom, Iran, were recruited. Data on sexual function was collected via the Female Sexual Function (FSFI) questionnaire preoperatively, six months and 18 months after colpoperineoplasty. The paired t-test, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and Repeated Measure test were utilized for statistical purposes. Results. Seventy-six women completed the study by 18 months. The mean FSFI score changed from 24.19 ± 3.09 in baseline to 26.92 ± 3.41 after six months (P < 0.001); however dyspareunia and vaginal dryness were increased significantly. After 18 months all areas of sexual function including pain and lubrication improved significantly compared to the 6th month (P < 0.001). Sexual satisfaction was increased significantly six and 18 months after surgery (P < 0.001), and the total score of sexual function increased to 32.61 ± 1.32 after 18 months (P < 0.001). Conclusion. The long term effect of colpoperineoplasty in women who suffer from vaginal laxity is promising. It seems that patient's dissatisfaction of sexual function can be a basis for colpoperineoplasty.

Utilizing Educational Materials as a Mean for Improving Psychosexual Health of Breast Cancer Women

The psychological factors for Breast Cancer BrCa are very important, as they assist in improving the adaptation of the new situations they have to deal with. This study is to provide psycho-educational materials as intervention tools in enhancing coping with the psychosexual problems faced by Sudanese BrCa women. Study sample of 89 BrCa women were randomly selected to either educational group (n = 30), intervention group (n = 29), or control group (n = 30). To be eligible for the study, women were married, sexually active with their husbands, and inhabitant in Khartoum state during the implementation of the study. Two scales were been filled by all the participants as measurements for this study and those are: Watts Sexual Function Questionnaire (WSFQ) which measures and provides a total sexual function score and subscale score for desire, arousal, orgasm and satisfaction. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is the other measurement that used in this study. Significant difference has been found in regard to HADS and WSFQ pre- and post-test analysis for the experiential group. Women assigned to the educational materials group had significant higher posttest scores on both HADS and WSFQ scales than women assigned to psychosexual intervention program.

The effect of sex education on the sexual function of women in the first half of pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

There is lack of information on couple's sexual relation during pregnancy and also the lack of a national written training protocol in this regard in Iran. State authorities want to develop and implement such a protocol. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a sex education package on the sexual function of pregnant women. 88 women in their 8 to 14 weeks of pregnancy were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and control. In the intervention group a midwife carried out sex education in two 60 minutes lecture sessions and group discussions for the participants. Moreover, educational booklets were distributed at the end of the first session and couple's questions were answered by telephone. In the control group women were taught nutritional education with the same procedure. Sexual function was evaluated using the female sexual function index (FSFI) before and four weeks after the education. Paired t-test, student's t-test and chi square were used to analyze the data. There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of their baseline characteristics, including mean sexual function scores before the education. After the education the mean of the total score of sexual function was significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the control group [mean difference 7.0 (95% CI 4.1, 9.9)]. Such a significant difference also existed in all the six domains of sexual function, i.e. desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain (p < 0.001). Providing such sexual education during routine prenatal care may improve couples' sexual health during pregnancy.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women: An Overview of Risk Factors and Prevalence in Indian Women

ABSTRACT Objective To detect the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and also to investigate possible risk factors that may cause sexual dysfunction in the Indian women. Materials and methods The prospective study consisted of 500 women between ages 18 and 66 years from different sociocultural areas. The women were divided into five groups according to their ages &lt;24 years (n = 129), 24 to 30 years (n = 182), 31 to 37 years (n = 125), 38 to 42 years (n = 22), &gt;42 years (n = 42). Female sexual function was assessed with a detailed 19-item FSFI questionnaire to evaluate five domains of sexual dysfunction, i.e. desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm and pain. Demographic characteristics and medical risk factors were evaluated and findings were compared between the women with and without sexual dysfunction. Results Based on total sexual function score, 278 (55.6%) of total 500 patients had sexual dysfunction. The commonest dysfunction was orgasmic (91.7%) followed by lubrication (89.2%). Out of 278 patients, 53 patients (19%) were in the age of more than 38 years in the FSD group. Female sexual dysfunction was more prevalent in illiterate women, 7.19% patients were illiterate in the FSD group as compared to 3.15% patients in the women with no FSD (p = 0.04). It shows that prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in the older age group and in illiterate patients. Conclusion The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction rises with age, lower education level, chronic disease and menopausal status. How to cite this article Aggarwal RS, Mishra VV, Panchal NA, Patel NH, Deshchougule VV, Jasani AF, Sexual Dysfunction in Women: An Overview of Risk Factors and Prevalence in Indian Women. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(3):134-136.

The Effect of Renal Transplantation for End-Stage Renal Disease on Female Sexual Function and Depression

Studies have suggested that women with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) had higher risk of sexual dysfunction than healthy women. To prospectively determine the effect of renal transplantation for ESRD on female sexual function and depression. During a 5-year period, the study included 21 sexually active women who underwent renal transplantation for ESRD at a single university hospital. After obtaining demographic characteristics, female sexual function was evaluated with a detailed 19-item questionnaire (The Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI), and depression was assessed using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale. In all women, FSFI and BDI scores were compared before and after the renal transplantation surgery. The mean age of the women was 35.04 ± 9.6 years, and mean follow-up duration after renal transplantation was 27.5 ± 20.4 months. Mean total sexual function score increased from 17.57 ± 7.07 to 25.3 ± 3.28, revealing significant difference (P = 0.001). Compared with preoperative period, sexual function domains including sexual desire (P = 0.001), arousal (P = 0.001), lubrication (P = 0.003), orgasm (P = 0.001), satisfaction (P = 0.001), and pain (P = 0.02) significantly improved after renal transplantation. Mean BDI score significantly decreased from 17.91 ± 8.56 to 3 ± 4.17 after renal transplantation (P = 0.001). Successful renal transplantation may improve female sexual functions and depression. Therefore, life quality increases as sexual functions and depression improve after the renal transplantation surgery.

Sexual function in adolescent and young adult survivors of lower extremity bone tumors

Improving survival rates and new surgical options have led to increased interest regarding late effects and quality of life in adolescent and young adult survivors of bone cancers, including their sexual functioning. This study investigated sexual functioning in adolescent and young adult survivors of lower limb bone tumors, in relation to surgical treatments, gender differences, depressive symptoms, global self worth, and physical disability. Twenty-eight participants (age range 18-32 years) completed measures of gender specific sexual function, depressive symptoms, global self worth, and physical disability. For analysis, surgical intervention was grouped into limb sparing surgeries (LS; allograft fusion and endoprosthesis) and amputation or Van Nes rotationplasty (AMP). Male survivors reported significantly higher scores than females on total sexual function scores (P = 0.050), sexual drive (P = 0.002), and frequency of sexual thoughts, fantasies or erotic dreams (P = 0.021). Men also reported significantly better physical functioning scores than women (P = 0.012). LS scored significantly lower on frequency of sexual thoughts, fantasies and erotic dreams (P = 0.048) and frequency of sexual experiences (P = 0.016) compared with AMP. In addition, LS reported significantly more depressive symptoms scores (P = 0.004) and lower self worth scores (P = 0.037), than AMP. These results suggest that male survivors of lower extremity bone tumors experience better sexual functioning than women. Survivors of limb sparing surgeries struggle with sexual function, depressive symptoms, and poor self-perception compared to Van Nes rotationplasty and amputation survivors.

Comparison of the Effects of Hormone Therapy Regimens, Oral and Vaginal Estradiol, Estradiol + Drospirenone and Tibolone, on Sexual Function in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in postmenopausal women. To prospectively evaluate and compare the effects of hormone therapy (HT) regimens, oral and vaginal estradiol, estradiol + drospirenone and tibolone, on sexual function in healthy postmenopausal women. The study included 169 consecutive healthy postmenopausal women, and the women were divided into two groups: 111 women received HT, and 58 women received no treatment and served as a control group. As an HT, 23 women with surgically induced menopause received oral 17-beta estradiol. The rest of the women with natural menopause were prospectively randomized: 22 received oral 17-beta estradiol + drospirenone daily, 42 received oral tibolone, and 24 received vaginal 17-beta estradiol. Sexual function was evaluated with a detailed 19-item questionnaire, the female sexual function index, including sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. The differences in sexual function were compared before and 6 months after the treatment in all women. Total sexual function score increased from 19.81 +/- 7.15 to 22.9 +/- 6.44 in the HT group and decreased from 21.6 +/- 8.69 to 17.6 +/- 5.7 in the control group, revealing a significant difference from baseline to post-treatment between the two groups (P = 0.000). The highest improvement in total score and arousal was achieved with the oral 17-beta estradiol (P = 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively). The highest improvement in lubrication was achieved with the oral and vaginal 17-beta estradiol groups (P = 0.000). The highest improvement in orgasm was achieved with the tibolone group (P = 0.000). The highest improvement in pain was achieved with the oral and vaginal 17-beta estradiol groups (P = 0.000). HT provided significant improvement in sexual function compared to women receiving no treatment, and therefore, HT regimens should be suggested for improvement in sexual functioning of postmenopausal women.

Sexual functions in women with focal epilepsy. A preliminary study

We analyzed sexual function in 29 women suffering from focal epilepsy using the Female Sexual Function Index, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and a battery of laboratory tests were performed to find possible correlations and differences. A total FSFI score lower than the predefined cut-off score was found in 20.7% women and the presence of at least one subtype of sexual dysfunction was found in 51.7% of them. The most frequent dysfunction was lack of lubrication, which occurred in 34.5% of patients. A higher depression score was significantly correlated with a worse total score of Female Sexual Function Index and with decreased score of lubrication, satisfaction and pain. Patients who were seizure-free had better total score of Female Sexual Function Index and score of lubrication, orgasm and pain in comparison to patients who were not seizure-free. A higher anxiety scale was correlated only with lower satisfaction. We found a statistically significant correlation of reduced desire and use of carbamazepine and with lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and free-androgene index. Reduced arousal was also correlated with the use of carbamazepine and lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Patients with a combination of complex partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures had a worse total sexual function score and pain score than those with complex partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures only. Sexual dysfunctions are relatively common problems in epileptic women with focal epilepsy. Prospective studies, including a control group, are needed.

Sexual function after surgery for stress urinary incontinence: vaginal sling versus Burch colposuspension

We prospectively investigated the effect of surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) on sexual function and also compared preoperative and postoperative sexual functions according to vaginal or abdominal surgery for SUI. The study included 94 women who underwent surgery for SUI, and the women were divided into two groups: 53 women had vaginal sling, and 41 women had Burch colposuspension. Female sexual function was evaluated with a detailed 19-item questionnaire, the female sexual function index (FSFI), including sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. In all women, sexual function was compared before and after surgery for SUI, and the differences in postoperative sexual functions were also compared between the women undergoing vaginal sling and Burch colposuspension. In all women, total sexual function score significantly decreased from 20.8 +/- 9 to 17.3 +/- 9.3 after surgery (P = 0.000). Total sexual function score decreased from 19.2 +/- 10 to 17.2 +/- 9.9 in the vaginal sling group and decreased from 23.6 +/- 6.2 to 17.6 +/- 7.7 in the Burch colposuspension group, revealing significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.011). Statistically significantly higher decreases in postoperative sexual desire (P = 0.014), arousal (P = 0.026), lubrication (P = 0.004), and orgasm scores (P = 0.008) were also observed in the Burch colposuspension group than in the vaginal sling group. Based on total score, postoperative sexual function improved in 13 women (24.5%) of the vaginal sling group and in 5 women (12.2%) of the Burch colposuspension group, remained unchanged in 15 (28.3%) and 10 (24.4%), respectively, and deteriorated in 25 (47.2%) and 26 (63.4%), respectively. Our findings show that sexual functions may be impaired after surgery for SUI. Burch colposuspension may deteriorate sexual functions much more than vaginal sling surgery in women. Therefore, women who will need surgery for SUI should be informed of the risk of deterioration of sexual function after surgery.

The Prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Potential Risk Factors That May Impair Sexual Function in Turkish Women

Objectives: To detect the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and also to investigate possible risk factors that may cause sexual dysfunction in the Turkish women. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of 179 women between the ages of 18 and 66 years living in households from different sociocultural areas. The women were divided into 5 groups according to their ages: 18–27 years (n = 23), 28–37 years (n = 55), 38–47 years (n = 43), 48–57 years (n = 44) and 58–67 years (n = 14). Female sexual function was evaluated with a detailed 19-item questionnaire to assess desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was calculated for each domain and compared among the groups. In addition, demographic characteristics and medical risk factors were assessed in all women, and the findings were compared between the women with and without sexual dysfunction. Results: Based on total sexual function score, 84 (46.9%) out of 179 women had sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction was 21.7% in the ages of 18–27 years, 25.5% in the ages of 28–37 years, 53.5% in the ages of 38–47 years, 65.9% in the ages of 48–57 years and 92.9% in the ages of 58–67 years. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction for each domain also increased with age. To investigate various factors that may cause female sexual dysfunction, no significant differences were detected in smoking history (p = 0.14), marriage age (p = 0.7), the presence of previous pelvic surgery (p = 0.09), and contraception methods used (p = 0.31). However, sexual dysfunction was observed as significantly higher in the presence of older age (p = 0.001), lower educational level (p = 0.012), unemployment status (p = 0.017), chronic disease (p = 0.032), multiparity (p = 0.0027) and menopause status (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain problems increases with age. In addition, the presence of a lower educational level, unemployment status, chronic diseases, multiparity and menopause status are important risk factors that may cause sexual dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction in the community: a prevalence study.

To investigate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the South Australian community, and the influence of demographic and other risk factors. Survey by mailed questionnaire (based on the University of California, Los Angeles prostate cancer index) of a subset (men who agreed to participate) of a probability sample of the South Australian community who completed a multiuser interview survey. Men over the age of 40 in South Australia. Sexual desire, orgasm, ability to have an erection, adequacy (firmness) of erections for intercourse, frequency of erections when wanted, frequency of intercourse, nocturnal or morning erections, and history of prostate surgery; total sexual function score based on these. 612 men (86.7%) agreed to answer the sexual function survey; 427 (69.8%) returned questionnaires. ED was strongly correlated with age in all seven domains of sexual function. Erections inadequate for intercourse affected 3% of 40-49-year-olds, increasing to 64% of 70-79-year-olds. The frequency of intercourse considered normal for age by men 50-69 years was 1-6 times weekly; the disparity between this and reported frequency increased in men over 60 years, as did the difference between sexual desire and potency. A history of vigorous exercise was protective across all ages. High triglyceride levels, blood pressure medication and non-cancer surgery for prostate disease were independent predictors of poor sexual function at older ages. High cholesterol level was an independent predictor of impotence. We found similar or higher levels of ED than in comparable overseas studies. Disparity between potency and desire was greatest, and hence the age group in whom demand for treatment may be highest, in those 60 years and older. Cardiovascular risk factors were predictors of ED in these older men, suggesting that prevention may benefit sexual function. Non-cancer prostate surgery may be a greater contributor to ED than previously realised.

Tamsulosin 0.4 mg Once Daily: Effect on Sexual Function in Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Obstruction

Objective: To evaluate the effect of tamsulosin, 0.4 mg once daily, on sexual function in comparison with placebo and alfuzosin, 2.5 mg three times daily, in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Methods: Data from 830 patients randomized into three European multicenter studies with similar protocols were analyzed. In two studies, patients were randomized to receive either tamsulosin, 0.4 mg once daily, or placebo, and in the third, patients were randomized to receive either a fixed dose of tamsulosin, 0.4 mg once daily, or alfuzosin, titrated to 2.5 mg three times daily. The studies employed a 2-week placebo run-in period, followed by a 12-week study period. Sexual function was assessed by related adverse events and by a sexual function score determined from a life-style questionnaire. Results: Abnormal ejaculation occurred significantly more frequently in patients treated with tamsulosin than in those receiving placebo (p = 0.045); however, the incidence of abnormal ejaculation was similar in patients receiving tamsulosin or alfuzosin in the comparative study. Abnormal ejaculation was not perceived as a major problem by the patients since it resulted in few treatment discontinuations (n = 3). It was also reversible on drug withdrawal. There was no difference between tamsulosin and placebo or alfuzosin with regard to the occurrence of decreased libido or impotence. In addition, there was no significant difference in the change in sexual function score between patients treated with tamsulosin and those treated with alfuzosin. Compared with patients receiving placebo, there was, however, a significant improvement in total sexual function score in patients receiving tamsulosin (p = 0.042). Conclusions: Tamsulosin, 0.4 mg once daily, is well tolerated and has no overall negative impact on sexual function compared with placebo or alfuzosin. Compared with placebo, tamsulosin may even improve sexual function.